An American National Standard

Designation: F 477 02e1

Standard Specification for

Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 477; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

e1 NOTETable 2 was editorially updated in October 2002.

1. Scope D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics3

1.1 This specification covers elastomeric seals (gaskets)
used to seal the joints of plastic pipe used for gravity,
low-pressure, and high-pressure applications. This refers to
push-on joints which require no internal or external pressure to
effect the initial seal.
1.2 Requirements are given for natural or synthetic rubber
gaskets, or a combination of both.
NOTE 1Oil-resistant gaskets are available for those applications
where exposure to solvents or oil may occur. The user should contact the
gasket manufacturer for recommendations.
1.3 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes,
and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These
notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall
not be considered as requirements of the specification.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
test method portion, Section 7, of this specification: This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 395 Test Methods for Rubber PropertyCompression
Set2
D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermo-
plastic ElastometersTension2
D 471 Test Method for Rubber PropertyEffect of Liq-
uids2
D 518 Test Method for Rubber DeteriorationSurface
Cracking2
D 1149 Test Method for Rubber DeteriorationSurface
Ozone Cracking in a Chamber2
D 1229 Test Method for Rubber PropertyCompression
Set at Low Temperatures2
D 1349 Practice for RubberStandard Temperatures for
Testing4
D 1414 Test Methods for Rubber O-Rings5
D 1415 Test Method for Rubber PropertyInternational
Hardness2
D 1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber4
D 2240 Test Method for Rubber PropertyDurometer
Hardness2
F 913 Specification for Thermoplastic Elastomeric Seals
(Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe6
2.2 NSF Standards:
Standard No. 14 for Plastic Piping Components and Related
Materials7
Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water Systems Components-
Health Effects7
3. Terminology
3.1 DefinitionsTerms relating to rubber or elastomer shall
be as defined in Terminology D 1566. Terms relating to plastics
shall be as defined in Terminology D 883.
4. Composition and Manufacture
4.1 All gaskets shall be extruded or molded in such a
manner that any cross section will be dense, homogeneous, and
free of porosity, blisters, pitting, or other imperfections. The
gasket shall be fabricated from a high-grade elastomer mate-
rial. The basic polymer shall be natural rubber, synthetic
rubber, a blend of both, or a thermoplastic elastomer, meeting
the requirements prescribed in Sections 5 and 6.
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D 573 Test Method for RubberDeterioration in an Air 4.2 Where a splice is used in the manufacture of the gasket,
Oven2

3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
1 4
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 09.01.
5
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.02.
6
Current edition approved May 10, 2002. Published July 2002. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.04.
7
published as F 477 76. Last previous edition F 477 99. Available from the National Sanitation Foundation, P.O. Box 1468, Ann Arbor,
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01. MI 48106.

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 F 477 02e1
the strength shall be such that the gasket shall withstand 100 % TABLE 2 Physical Requirements for Thermoplastic Elastomeric
elongation over the part of the gasket which includes the splice Seals for Plastic Pipe
with no visible separation of the splice. While in a stretched
Low-Head High-Head
position the gasket shall be rotated in the spliced area a Application Application
minimum of 180 in each direction in order to inspect for (Below 150 (150 kPa or
separation. In addition, any portion of the splice shall be kPa or 50-ft 50-ft Head
Head) and Above)
capable of passing a bend test without visible separation. The
Original Properties:
bend test for circular gaskets is defined as wrapping the portion Tensile strength, min, MPa (psi) 3.0 (435) 3.5 (500)
of the unstretched gasket containing the splice a minimum of 100 % modulus, min, MPa (psi) 1.4 (200) 1.9 (280)
180 and a maximum of 270 around a rod of a diameter equal Elongation, min, % 350 350
Hardness, Type A durometer 40 to 70 40 to 70
to the cross section diameter of the gasket. Low-temperature hardness, Type A 10 10
durometer, max increase, points
5. Dimensions and Tolerances Compression set, max % 25 20
5.1 When in its final assembled position, the gasket shall not Ozone resistance no cracks no cracks
Accelerated Aging (Air Oven Test):
be stretched more than 30 % of its original circumference. Decrease in tensile strength, max % of 15 15
original
NOTE 2Excessive stretch may have deleterious effect on rubber Decrease in elongation, max % of original 15 15
gaskets, the minimum stretch compatible with the proper performance of Hardness, Type A durometer, max change, 5 5
the gasket should be used at all times. points
After Water Immersion:
5.2 The gaskets shall conform to the dimensions specified Change in volume max % 4 4
by the manufacturer of the pipe or fittings, with which the Force Decay 40 50
Remaining stress, min,%
gaskets are to be used, with a Rubber Manufacturers Associa-
tion Class 3 tolerance on all cross section dimensions, and
61 % on all diametrical dimensions, unless otherwise agreed NOTE 4The gasket manufacturer should be assured that materials
used for retaining or reinforcement, or both, do not encroach upon the
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upon by the pipe or fitting manufacturer and the purchaser.

5.3 For molded gaskets or gasket material, the permissible
flash shall be a maximum of +0.80 mm (0.032 in.). Maximum
mold mismatch shall not exceed 0.25 mm (0.010 in.).
6. Physical Requirements
6.1 The sealing portion of the gaskets shall comply with the
physical requirements listed in Table 1 for thermoset elas-
tomers or Table 2 for thermoplastic elastomers, when tested in
accordance with the methods in Section 7.
NOTE 3Some gaskets incorporate a high durometer elastomeric or
nonelastomeric, that is, metal or plastic material, as a reinforcement or
retaining feature, or both. These materials do not alter the physical
properties of the sealing portion of the gasket and should not be tested as
such, or expected to meet the material requirements listed in Table 1.
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for Elastomeric Seals for
Plastic Pipe
Tests
Original Properties:
Tensile strength, min, MPa (psi)
Elongation, min, %
Hardness, Type A durometer
Low-temperature hardness, Type A duro-
meter, max increase, points
Compression set, max %
Ozone resistance
Accelerated Aging (Air Oven Test):
Decrease in tensile strength, max % of
orignal
Decrease in elongation, max % of original
Hardness, Type A durometer, max increase,
points
After Water Immersion:
Change in volume max %
A
For EPDM and nitrile seals, tensile strength min. MPa (psi) is 10.3 (1500).
sealing surfaces of the gasket, and have physical properties which ensure
adequate longevity for the anticipated usage.
6.1.1 HardnessThe Type A durometer average hardness
specified by the manufacturer shall be within the range given in
Table 1 for thermoset elastomers or Table 2 for thermoplastic
elastomers. Gaskets are required to have the Type A durometer
hardness specified, 6 5 points.
6.2 Elastomer compounds must be non-crazing to pipe. The
gasket in the cured state shall not cause craze marks, pits, or
blisters when in contact with the plastic pipe. Staining of the
plastic pipe in the area of gasket contact is acceptable. Test in
accordance with 7.9 to qualify elastomer compound for pipe
made from the plastic polymer in question.
6.3 Where the particular joint design utilizing a rubber
gasket dictates the use of a lubricant to facilitate assembly, the
lubricant shall be of such composition which will in no way
damage the gasket or pipe due to prolonged exposure.
Low-Head High-Head 7. Test Methods
Application Application
(Below 150 (150 kPa or 7.1 Perform laboratory tests to determine the physical prop-
kPa or 50-ft 50-ft Head erties of the gaskets to be furnished under this specification on:
Head) and Above)
(1) the finished product as supplied, ( 2) test specimens taken
from the finished product, or ( 3) from specimens of fabrication
8.3 (1200) 13.8 (2000)A
325 400 of the same elastomeric compound, and in accordance with the
40 to 60 40 to 60 appropriate ASTM standard. (See Practice D 1349.)
15 15 7.2 Tensile Strength and ElongationDetermine tensile
25 20 strength, 100 % modulus, and elongation in accordance with
no cracks no cracks Test Methods D 412 or D 1414 for O-rings.
15 15
7.3 HardnessDetermine the durometer, Type A, of the
gasket in accordance with Test Method D 2240 or Test Meth-
20 20 ods D 1414 for O-rings. (See Test Method D 1415.)
8 8
7.4 Low-Temperature HardnessMeasure the durometer,
Type A, of the gasket in accordance with Test Method D 2240
5 5 or Test Methods D 1414 for O-rings after conditioning for 22 h
at 10 6 2C (+14 6 4F) to determine the change in hardness.

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 F 477 02e1
7.5 Compression SetDetermine the compression set in
accordance with Method B of Test Methods D 395 or D 1414
for O-rings. Test temperature and time shall be 22 h at 70 6
2C (158 6 4F), with a 25 % deflection of the test specimens.
(See Test Method D 1229.)
7.6 Accelerated AgingAge specimens for physical test in
accordance with Test Method D 573. (See Test Method D 518.)
7.6.1 Age physical test specimens for 96 h at 70 6 2C (158
6 4F).
7.7 Water ImmersionDetermine the change in volume in
accordance with Test Method D 471 or Test Methods D 1414
for O-rings.
7.7.1 The temperature shall be 70 6 2C (1586 4F), and
the immersion period shall be 48 h.
7.7.2 Immediately after removal from the water, blot the
specimens, weigh, and calculate the volume increase in accor-
dance with Test Method D 471.
7.8 Ozone ResistanceDetermine the gaskets resistance to
ozone in accordance with Test Method D 1149.
7.8.1 Conduct test for 72 h in 50 pphm concentration at 40
6 2C (104 6 4F) with specimens stressed to 20 % extension.
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7.9.4 Set the test apparatus up as in the compression set test
in accordance with Method B of Test Methods D 395 with the
plastic bearing plate in place.
7.9.5 Age the specimens under load for 96 h at 70 6 2C
(158 6 4F).
7.9.6 Let the specimens cool in the fixture for 24 h at 21 to
25C (70 to 77F).
7.9.7 Upon release, inspect the plastic bearing plate surface
that has been in contact with the elastomeric compound for
cracks, craze marks, pits, or blisters (6.2).
7.10 Stress RelaxationDetermine stress relaxation in ac-
cordance with thermoplastic elastomer stress relaxation test as
outlined in Specification F 913.
8. Rejection
8.1 The rubber gaskets shall be subject to rejection when-
ever they show surface checking, weathering, or other deterio-
ration prior to installation.
9. Certification

9.1 At the option of the purchaser, certified copies of test

7.9 Determine elastomer compound effect on pipe (6.2) by
reports on the elastomer from which the shipment of gaskets
the following procedure:
was made shall be furnished by the gasket supplier.
7.9.1 The specimen shall be a gasket or a part of a gasket
that will fit within the test fixture shown in Fig. 1.
10. Storage
7.9.2 The fixture for the test shall be as described for the
compression set test in Method B of Test Methods D 395 with 10.1 The rubber gaskets shall be stored in a cool, clean,
a plate of plastic adjoining the interior surfaces of the com- shaded place. The preferred temperature is 21C (70F) or
pression plates (see Fig. 1). lower.
7.9.3 Make liner bearing plates of plastic with a minimum
wall thickness of 3.0 mm (0.120 in.) to fit the interior surfaces 11. Marking
of the fixtures compression plates. 11.1 The markings shall include the gasket manufacturers
7.9.3.1 Form the plastic bearing plate from like plastic name or symbol, gasket size, and manufacturers code to
material by cutting and pressing pipe at a workable stressre- differentiate between high- and low-head gaskets.
lieving temperature not to exceed that required to form a gasket 11.2 Any additional marking or color designation shall be as
race. agreed upon by the pipe and gasket manufacturer.

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

POTABLE WATER REQUIREMENT

This requirement applies whenever a Regulatory Authority or user calls for product to be used to

FIG. 1 Device for Test of Elastomeric Compound Effect on Plastic

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 F 477 02e1
convey or to be in contact with potable water.

S1. Products intended for contact with potable water shall Standard No. 14 by an acceptable certifying organization when
be evaluated, tested and certified for conformance with ANSI/ required by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
NSF Standard No. 61 or the health effects portion of NSF

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